Authorities confirmed the death of Santiago Gallon Henao, a suspect in the 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star Andres Escobar. Gallon Henao died in a shooting in Mexico on February 5, 2026. Colombian officials tied him to the crime that shocked the soccer world.
Escobar’s Fatal Own Goal
Andres Escobar scored an own goal during Colombia’s match against the United States at the 1994 World Cup. This mistake contributed to Colombia’s elimination from the tournament. Days later, on July 2, 1994, gunmen shot Escobar multiple times outside a disco in Medellin.
Humberto Muñoz Castro, Gallon Henao’s driver, carried out the shooting. Muñoz Castro confessed to the killing but refused to implicate his bosses. He served only 11 years of a 43-year sentence. Investigators believed Gallon Henao and his brother ordered the hit after losing bets on Colombia’s performance.
Presidential Confirmation
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, announced Gallon Henao’s death on social media platform X on February 6, 2026. Petro stated, “Santiago Gallon, responsible for the murder of Andres Escobar that destroyed the country’s international image, was killed yesterday in Mexico.” He described Gallon Henao as a drug trafficker who financed paramilitary groups.
Meanwhile, a source from the Toluca prosecutor’s office reported that assailants shot Gallon Henao dead in a restaurant in Huixquilucan, a municipality in the state of Mexico. Officials conducted forensic examinations to confirm his identity.
Lasting Impact
The murder drew global attention to violence in Colombian soccer. Fans mourned Escobar, with over 120,000 people attending his funeral. However authorities never fully prosecuted all involved parties until recent developments.
Additionally Petro highlighted the case’s effect on Colombia’s reputation. He emphasized, “The killing destroyed the country’s international image.” The incident remained a symbol of cartel influence in sports.
